How to Use Classopoly to Teach Financial Education

Students weigh their Classopoly store purchases against their balance, payday and rent, and the opportunity cost of each choice against their short- and long-term goals.

Students pick a high-price item from the Classopoly Store as a savings goal, find their net income on their dashboard, and work out how long the goal takes when they save 100%, 75%, 50% or 25% of their earnings.

Students choose three items from the Classopoly Store, check their balance against payday and rent, and chart the opportunity cost of each choice before the teacher approves a purchase.

Students set Benjamin Franklin's 1748 advice on frugality beside today's Federal Reserve household data, build a savings plan for a large purchase over one, five and ten years, and argue whether saving depends more on attitude or on circumstances.

Students compare two pitches for the same made-up toy, read FTC and CFPB text on advertising and who really decides a purchase, and sort price, peer pressure and advertising as influences on what people buy.

Students choose between spending $10 today and saving for a $30 art set, read CFPB text on savings goals and emergency funds, and build a savings plan with a weekly tracker for a goal of their own.